Heading into the 2014 NFL Draft on May 8, we'll be profiling some of the top players that project to be a good fit with for the New England Patriots. The series continues today with Boston College running back Andre Williams. Click here to see the full series.

A unanimous All-American, Andre Williams re-wrote the record books last season at Boston College, breaking single season records in attempts (355) and rushing yards (2,177). Although he did not crack 1,000 yards in his first three years at the Heights, Williams burst onto the scene his senior year, finishing with the fifth-highest single season rushing mark in FBS history. The Doak Walker award winner also broke the Boston College school record for career marks with 3,739 yards and 28 touchdowns in only 44 games.

With Williams at the centerpiece, the Eagles running game primarily ran two plays, and ran them pretty much to perfection: power and counter. Williams used his excellent vision to find cutback seams and creases when running the counter. When breaking past the second level, he used his strong frame to break tackles and gain yardage after contact. At 230 pounds, Williams is a strong runner with great balance, who delivers the hit on the defender, controlling his moment and consistently falling forward.

Williams ran a 4.56 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, which is a little better than the number he'd been expected to put up. Although he had multiple 20-plus yard runs, Williams' speed did not jump out on tape. Overall, Williams is a tough-nosed rusher who consistently fights for extra yardage.

His athleticism and speed does not necessarily stand out when watching his game film, but Williams finds a way to gain yards on almost every carry. For a running back with as many yards as he ran for last season, Williams is a relatively boring runner who does not make many defenders miss. He also ran behind a solid offensive line that gave him consistent creases to hit. I would not call Williams a product of the Boston College system, considering the statistics he put up there. However, his underwhelming performances against Southern California (38 yards), Clemson (70 yards on 24 carries) and Arizona (75 yards on 26 attempts) raise some concerns that he fell short against tougher competition. Williams' best performances came against lesser opponents. But at the same time, defenses were consistently putting eight or more in the box against the Eagles, keying on Williams.

One thing that Williams needs to work on is catching the ball, in fact, he had zero receptions his entire senior season and finished with only ten career grabs. He also struggled at the combine catching the ball, dropping two out of eight pass attempts. He will most likely be a two-down back in the NFL unless he drastically improves his hands.

That being said, Williams is far from useless in the passing game. When protecting the passer, he's one of the best, which will get him on the field early in the NFL. He has the reputation as a very smart athlete with a strong work ethic, and is expected to pick up NFL playbooks rather quickly. I expect the former Eagle to succeed in the NFL in whatever role he is put in.

The guys at Rotoworld compared the Boston College alum to a "souped-up BenJarvis Green-Ellis."

Where would he fit in New England?

With similar attributes to Steven Ridley, he could come in and replace LeGarrette Blount's carries from last season. Neither Ridley or Williams are prototypical third-down players, leaving Ridley as the feature back on early downs with Williams getting the occassioanl touch and e Shane Vereen could take care of passing situations.

Williams is also a good fit as a short-yardage back with his powerful, north-south running style. With Ridley in a contract year, Williams could be his eventual replacement if the Patriots let their current starter walk after this season, especially if he does not cure his fumble tendencies.

Where could the Patriots draft him?

As of now, Williams looks like a day three draft selection, as he could be taken in the fourth round or later. He could be a potential steal later in the draft for a team looking for an effective runner who isn't very flashy.